Kelsey Robinson was named a nominee for the AAU James E. Sullivan Award on Monday.

Photo Courtesy Scott Bruhn/Nebraska Communications

Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications

03/10/2014

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) announced today that 19 nominees have been selected for the 2013 James E. Sullivan Award, which honors the nation's outstanding amateur athlete. Nominees include Olympic gold medalists David Boudia and Katie Ledecky, along with college football stars AJ McCarron, University of Alabama, Blake Bortles, University of Central Florida, and Tre Mason, member of Auburn’s 2013 BCS National Champion team.

“I am extremely proud of the 2013 slate of nominees for the highest honor the AAU bestows—the AAU James E. Sullivan Award,” said Henry Forrest, President of the AAU. “These young women and men are the best and the brightest among the hundreds of thousands of amateur athletes who are pursuing their dreams. Not just on the court, the field, the mat, the water or in the gym, these outstanding athletes demonstrate character and leadership in their communities as well.”

Robinson played and started in all 33 matches for the Huskers, totaling 530 kills and averaging 4.45 kills per set for the 2013 season. She led the Big Ten in kills and points per set during the conference season and ended her senior year ranked ninth in hitting percentage, second in kills, and fifth in aces in the Big Ten. She was honored as the AVCA/Sports Imports Player of the Week and was named a 2013 AVCA First-Team All-American and First Team North Region honoree.

Today marks the first day of voting to find the winner of the 2013 AAU Sullivan Award. Voting is open to the public and will account for one-third of the athlete’s overall score. The nominees were nominated by someone who thought they fit the requirements of outstanding athletic ability, strong character, leadership and sportsmanship. The public can cast their vote by going to www.aausports.org. Voting will remain open until March 23rd at 11:59 EST.

Three finalists will be named no later than March 28th and the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, April 11th at the AAU National Headquarters in Orlando, Fla.